The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 0-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2016-02-10T10:06:51+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/106905332016-02-10T10:06:51+00:002016-02-10T10:06:51+00:00Pie Praise & Mediocrity - Reactions To Wolves Draw
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<figcaption>Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>As most Reading fans have remarked, Saturday's 0-0 draw with Wolves wasn't a classic but how did Wolves fans react to the game and what did the media make of it?</p> <p>After Tuesday's defeat to Ipswich pretty much ended any lingering hopes that Reading FC had of a play-off campaign, the club returned to the Madejski Stadium to play a Wolves but sadly this one wasn't a classic....</p>
<h3>Wolves Social Media Reacts</h3>
<p>As your can probably imagine the thoughts of the Wolves fans and the Reading fans about the game is fairly similar. Questions about the manager, the signings and the ambition take centre stage with the Wolves fans and indeed the phrase "Meh" has never seemed more apt for a game of football.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What was apparent is the distinct sense of apathy within the Wolverhampton ranks and the sense that this is a mid-table team with mid-table ambitions.</p>
<h4>Most exciting thing is the soup....</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">More football grounds should sell soup !! Leek & Potato at Reading today was just what the doctor ordered at half time today !! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wwfc?src=hash">#wwfc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/soup?src=hash">#soup</a></p>
— Neil (@FunkDingle) <a href="https://twitter.com/FunkDingle/status/696107485632073729">February 6, 2016</a>
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<h5>Definition....</h5>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you looked up mid table mediocrity in the dictionary you'll see this picture <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wwfc?src=hash">#wwfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/C12SDWhdQy">pic.twitter.com/C12SDWhdQy</a></p>
— AJ Smith (@SmithAnthonyj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SmithAnthonyj/status/696014244249268224">February 6, 2016</a>
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<h5>Pretty much sums it up from both sides...</h5>
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<p lang="cy" dir="ltr">Mediocre team + mediocre team = mediocre draw <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wwfc?src=hash">#wwfc</a></p>
— Russ Cockburn (@Dwarfio) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dwarfio/status/696028159553232896">February 6, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">90 minutes I'll never get back. Didn't even try to win <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wwfc?src=hash">#wwfc</a></p>
— Nick Greatbach (@NGreatbach) <a href="https://twitter.com/NGreatbach/status/696018671836258305">February 6, 2016</a>
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<h5>There are many answers to this……..</h5>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">After watching the highlights just how did James Henry miss this chance? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWFC?src=hash">#WWFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/GOKaVtPfN5">pic.twitter.com/GOKaVtPfN5</a></p>
— Thomas Holmes (@Holmes_07) <a href="https://twitter.com/Holmes_07/status/696414946490519552">February 7, 2016</a>
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<h5>So you wanna be Newcastle fans?</h5>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wolves fans at Reading yesterday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wwfc?src=hash">#wwfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/mjfXyMOMWr">pic.twitter.com/mjfXyMOMWr</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q935Oqtsh8">https://t.co/Q935Oqtsh8</a></p>
— TFS Wolves (@TFS_Wolves) <a href="https://twitter.com/TFS_Wolves/status/696366585120817152">February 7, 2016</a>
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<h5>Cutting, very cutting</h5>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just walked past Matt Doherty in Reading train station, ghosted past him like most right wingers in the Championship on a weekly basis <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWFC?src=hash">#WWFC</a></p>
— Louie Silvani (@louiesilvani4) <a href="https://twitter.com/louiesilvani4/status/696025180922052608">February 6, 2016</a>
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<h5>Mixed opinions</h5>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Siggy outstanding today. Everyone else painfully average. Season over in February. Oh to be a Leicester City fan... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wwfc?src=hash">#wwfc</a></p>
— Joe Parton (@joekparton93) <a href="https://twitter.com/joekparton93/status/696022074918359040">February 6, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Siggy never been the answer so why is he the lone striking option now <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wwfc?src=hash">#wwfc</a></p>
— Russ Cockburn (@Dwarfio) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dwarfio/status/696028808869191681">February 6, 2016</a>
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<h5>Can’t argue with this..</h5>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wwfc?src=hash">#wwfc</a> good to see that with 11 focused played we can keep a clean sheet. How many do we need to score and win?</p>
— Nigel Cox (@NigelJPCox) <a href="https://twitter.com/NigelJPCox/status/696020297309425666">February 6, 2016</a>
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<h3>Media Reaction</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ok so we've established that the best thing about Saturday’s game was the leek & potato soup, so on that basis you can understand that the media coverage of the game was at an all-time low, with very few of the national’s giving the game much of mention.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With that being said, some did give us coverage starting with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skysports.com/football/reading-vs-wolves/report/339890?">SkySports</a>'s primarily video driven coverage. What's impressive is that they've captured every second of the exciting parts of the game – all 2 minutes 12 seconds of it. It also highlights some shocking finishing, and the fact that Reading should have had a penalty for the challenge on Rakels.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35447348">BBC </a>report smacks of "look we couldn't be bothered" (and who could blame them!) with most of the write up on the Managers' comments. It’s also interesting that the interview with McDermott is on the site and for my money, he is refreshingly open about the "missing ingredient" and it’s well worth a listen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Away from the big two outlets and there really isn't anything else. The usual suspects such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.clubcall.com/reading/wolves-manager-kenny-jackett-its-a-big-call-to-reach-champio-1799081.html?">Clubcall </a>and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-report/339890/-?">Sporting life</a> carry Sky’s report and the only other action is the local media.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/reading-0-wolves-0-match-10856046?">The Birmingham Mail</a> carry a report that either side could have won it with both forward lines spurning chances, and that Kenny Jackett still thinks Wolves can get into the play-off positions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2016/02/06/reading-0-wolves-0-report-and-pictures/">The Express and Star,</a> they try to make me look a little foolish by saying it was the ideal away performance from Wolves and only missing a goal, which actually make it sound like an exciting game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Back to reality and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/reading-fc-0-wolves-0-10851661">GetReading’s </a>Charles Watts gives an honest assessment in his video report, basically labelling Al-Habsi the star of the show and saying that Reading were a little toothless up front. He makes a very good point that many mediocre sides have come the to MadStad this year and gone away with a point or better…..</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And that concludes another disappointing performance. With another tough home fixture on Saturday, it doesn't get any easier and the performance from the team need to improve or serious questions will soon start to be asked.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But as a wise man used to say before kick-off, 'back the boys and make some noise'. Right now it's about all we can do.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/10/10953006/reading-fc-0-0-wolverhampton-wanderers-social-media-reaction-media-analysisdavemc_exile2016-02-08T22:01:33+00:002016-02-08T22:01:33+00:00Reading Might Have Their Blackman Replacement
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>McDermott's side picked up a point and a cleans sheet against Wolves at the weekend, but what did we pick up from watching the game?</p> <h3>The strike partnership needs a lot more work</h3>
<p>When Blackman and Sa were sold, we all consoled ourselves by agreeing that a partnership of Kermorgant and Vydra would help get The Royals back on track and scoring goals for fun. Unfortunately, in their first couple of games together it's looked anything but menacing. Despite scoring a hat trick against Walsall, Vydra still looks bereft of confidence and Kermorgant as rusty as a 34-year-old striker who hasn't played many games in 6 months is going to be.</p>
<p>Look at the statistics and it's as bad as it seems. For a start, both played pretty much on top of each other judging by average positions and touches.</p>
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<p>Sadly, the fact is that neither of the two strikers are getting the ball in the box, where they do the most damage. This isn't entirely down to them, as they obviously need to be fed the ball but if neither player is spending much time in the box and when they get the ball are more often than not outside the box, you're not going to score goals.</p>
<p>Even when they are getting the ball, the number of times they pass forwards is minimal, to say the least.</p>
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<p>So not only are the strikers not getting the ball in dangerous areas, they're also not feeding the ball into dangerous areas. And we wonder why they're not threatening the opposition?</p>
<h4>What is McDermott doing with the wingers?</h4>
<p>When Brian returned to the club, we all assumed he'd be making the most of the wingers he has available to him — in particular, we'd finally see a McCleary-John combination down the wings. Unfortunately, that's not been the case and Robson-Kanu has been favoured, presumably because the on-loan Benfica winger <i>still</i> isn't fit. Or will never be.</p>
<p>Yet it's not just the personnel. The wingers aren't really playing as wingers. Garath McCleary, in particular, didn't spend much time getting chalk on his boots and instead was found cutting inside from the right. McCleary at his best was a blistering winger who would burst down the touchline and get a cross into the box. This current version of McCleary is not at his best, nor is he doing what we expected he would be doing when McDermott was appointed.</p>
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<p>He had two shots, both from central positions (which, we'll give him his due, you'd expect anyone to shoot from) and his passing came from the centre of the pitch, which is odd for a player of his stylistic preferences.</p>
<p>Is this something Brian McDermott is asking him to do, or is McCleary trying to take things into his own hands? One thing's for sure, he's not a like-for-like replacement for Nick Blackman on the right hand side, party because he's—well—not left footed.</p>
<p>Robson-Kanu could be a Nick Blackman-esque right winger, except he keeps starting on the left hand side and being shifted over to the right to give John his 15 minutes. Without wanting to dub him the 'Blackman replacement', Robson-Kanu has looked a lot more threatening over on the right hand side. If McDermott <i>is</i> asking his right winger to cut into the midfield to add movement and another man in the middle, you'd say he's the better bet to fulfil that role. He certainly did his best to do the cut-in-and-shoot move we saw Blackman try earlier this season.</p>
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<p>Will we see Robson-Kanu on the right from the start anytime soon? You'd like to think so.</p>
<h3>Shots. What shots?</h3>
<p>Speaking of shooting, this Reading side seems to have forgotten what a dangerous shot looks like. Look at the graphic below and tell me if any of those shoots look remotely dangerous (clue: no).</p>
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<p>This is probably as a result of the strikers not getting into the box, the wingers wanting to get all the glory and a general lack of creativity from the centre of the park. All of which leads to 17 pot shots, only 2 of which needed saving.</p>
<p>There's not much more to be said, except we had better hope that Kermorgant and Vydra start 'clicking' and feeding each other soon, or else we may find ourselves nearer the bottom of the table than we could have imagined in mid-October.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/8/10940218/further-reading-fc-wolverhampton-wanderers-wingers-strike-partners-shooting-positionsRoyal Hoops2016-02-07T10:48:56+00:002016-02-07T10:48:56+00:00McDermott Finds Positives After Wolves Draw
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading FC's manager defends his team after they failed to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers.</p> <p>After a disappointing result midweek, the Royals were hoping to redeem themselves with a good result against Wolves, but with fans calling for the black plastic bag on the pitch to be named man of the match, it would give a good idea of how the game went.</p>
<p>In appalling conditions, the Royals did get a point with a goalless battle with Wolves, so a positive is that we did get a clean sheet. Brian McDermott was reasonably pleased after the game, he told the official club website, "A tough game, a real battle in horrible conditions.</p>
<p>"It was a tight game with both sides giving their all. Wolves were never going to come here and lie down and just let us attack in an open game. It's not how it works.</p>
<p>"They played with a lot of players across the midfield, sat deep and made it really difficult for us - and we couldn't quite break them down.</p>
<p>"We needed to score that goal and if we could have found a way through, they would have had to come out a bit more. But they were well organised, Kenny's got them well-drilled and you have to play the conditions.</p>
<p>"You want to win your home games. But sometimes you have to be pleased to keep a clean sheet and take a point. This is the Championship. 46 games. You get a 0-0 at home sometimes and you have to take them when they come along.</p>
<p>"We got beat late, late on against Ipswich in midweek and yet today we've kept a clean sheet and we've got a result.</p>
<p>Listening to the radio yesterday evening, fans were extremely frustrated to only take a point from the game, but in the conditions, it could be seen as a good point. But another positive is that the Royals under McDermott have only lost once in his seven games in charge at the Madejski.</p>
<p>He added: "It's February in the Championship - one of the toughest leagues in the world. You are going to get these sorts of games. But when it's tight at 0-0, you have to make sure you pick up a result.</p>
<p>"Ali Al-Habsi made a great save, Paul McShane made a really, really good block as well. A clean sheet and a point gained.</p>
<p>"Deniss Rakels has come on to make his debut and I thought he looked bright. He had a shout for a penalty at the end and, if it falls for him there, he scores. It's difficult to see, but there must have been some contact that has brought him down. And then Yann came close with his volley right at the end.</p>
<p>"It wasn't a great watch today. But a clean sheet, a resilient well-earned point, and we move on. Now we're looking forward to Burnley next weekend."</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/7/10930068/reading-fc-wolves-brian-mcdermott-championship-2015-2016sophierfc102016-02-06T20:26:52+00:002016-02-06T20:26:52+00:00Wolves Player Ratings: HRK Up, Norwood Down
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Did any Reading players shine in a fairly lifeless 0-0 draw with Wolves? Wimb gives Hal Robson-Kanu some credit while being far from inspired by Oliver Norwood.</p> <h4>Ali Al-Habsi: 6</h4>
<p>It was a decent afternoon from Al-Habsi in what were awful conditions for a goalkeeper to try and deal with. Swirling winds and a pretty poor looking pitch are not what you want to play in but credit to the veteran who did well to punch away a curling James Henry free-kick and also came off his line well to deal with an early one-on-one. I would have given him a 7 but the awful mix up with Gunter can't be overlooked even if he did well to make up for it seconds later.</p>
<h4>Chris Gunter: 6</h4>
<p>Athletic, defensively solid but lacking quality in the final third. In other words the story of Gunter's career. Throw in that mix-up with Al-Habsi and his 'shot' that went out for a throw and I'm wondering why I've not given him a five.</p>
<h4>Paul McShane: 7</h4>
<p>Good performance from the captain who produced a tremendous block tackle to deny Sigurdarson late on. Not his best performance in a Reading shirt but he's one player who you're certain can be a big building block in a successful team going forward.</p>
<h4>Jake Cooper: 6</h4>
<p>Sometimes brilliant, sometimes scary but what else can you expect from a bloke who only turned 21 last week and has less than 50 games in professional football.</p>
<h4>Jordan Obita: 6</h4>
<p>Jordan is still struggling to hit the heights of his early performances in the left-back slot but the fluid nature of the formation in front of him isn't really helping much. With Reading not playing a traditional 4-4-2 and more of a 4-3-3 he seems unsure of when to come forward and when to stay back. His set pieces and general delivery are also failing to impress right now but fingers crossed he can begin to express himself more as his full fitness returns.</p>
<h4>Garath McCleary: 6</h4>
<p>Odd performance from GMac who spent a large amount of his time in the middle of the pitch rather than out wide. It was a shame because when he did get out wide and linked up with Gunter it was some of the more promising play we had but overtime he just kept drifting further and further in until he was replaced by Ola John on the hour.</p>
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<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/6/10927262/reading-fc-0-0-wolverhampton-wanderers-fc-championship-february-6-2016-madejski-stadium/in/10690533">
<h2>Reading 0-0 Wolves: Match Report</h2>
<img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s3j38v5iYlYiSVtRd1S5wluHfpQ=/60x0:2932x1915/709x473/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48744585/GettyImages-170344319.0.jpg"> </a> <span>Reading drew 0-0 with Wolves on a day of miserable playing conditions, a dead atmosphere and precious little quality on show from either side.</span>
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<h4>Danny Williams: 6</h4>
<p>He's trying to make stuff happen but as I wrote in my report, he's probably trying too hard. Guilty of overcooking several moves and once again his shooting radar was well off the mark.</p>
<h4>Oliver Norwood: 5</h4>
<p>This reminded me of the Norwood we saw last season under Steve Clarke. The Northern Irishman seemed unsure of himself and gave the ball away under little real pressure on two or three occasions to waste the chance of a break. Couple of nice long-balls but demonstrated why Clarke had him sat on the bench for long spells in early 2015. Hopefully just a blip.</p>
<h4>Hal Robson-Kanu: 7</h4>
<p>The Tilehurst End's Player of the Month once again looked impressive and was the Reading player looking most likely to break the deadlock. Strong, determined and showing flashes of real quality, he deserved more than he got out there. Maybe should have done better with his early chance from eight yards out but otherwise keep it up Hal.....oh wait, you're probably off in June on a free >:(</p>
<h4>Yann Kermorgant: 5</h4>
<p>It just wasn't happening for Yann I'm afraid. I'm far, far from writing him off especially three games into his time here but it's not clicking right now and he looks like he'll need a while to build an understanding with the rest of the team. Had a late snap shot that could have gone a long-way to winning the fans over but it fizzed wide.</p>
<h4>Matej Vydra: 5</h4>
<p>As our TTE Podcast listeners know, I'm one of Vydra's most vocal supporters but I can't really make excuses for him today. There were a few nice flicks but overall he contributed very little in terms of attacking threat and was kept extremely quiet by the Wolves defence.</p>
<h3><u>Substitutes</u></h3>
<h4>Ola John: 6</h4>
<p>Tried to make things happen and put in one lovely cut-back that ended up with an effort deflected wide but again you can see just why he was a multi-million pound buy but why he's on the bench at Reading on loan. Not convinced at all he's a viable 90 minute option and he almost gifted Wolves a goal during a rare appearance inside his own box. Good impact sub but I'm not desperate to see him stay past the summer as it stands.</p>
<h4>Deniss Rakels: N/A</h4>
<p>A promising little 10-minute cameo from the Latvian international who looked hungry and keen to make things happen while almost winning a penalty. Far too early to make any real judgement but if he shows that kind of hunger going forward he'll win over plenty of fans.</p>
<p><b><i>Who was YOUR man of the match? Vote in our poll at the bottom of the page, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.</i></b></p>
<h4><u>Season's Ratings (click for a larger version):</u></h4>
<p><a href="http://i.imgur.com/KMJiRrH.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/KMJiRrH.png"></a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/player-ratings/2016/2/6/10927424/reading-fc-0-0-wolverhampton-wanderers-fc-february-2016-championship-player-ratingsWimb2016-02-06T19:06:05+00:002016-02-06T19:06:05+00:00Reading 0-0 Wolves: Gale Force Dull
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<figcaption>Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading drew 0-0 with Wolves on a day of miserable playing conditions, a dead atmosphere and precious little quality on show from either side.</p> <p>On February 6th, 2016, Reading Football Club played out a scoreless draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club in an association football game at the Madejski Stadium in Berkshire.</p>
<p>.....</p>
<p>.....</p>
<p>It was pretty windy.</p>
<p>.....</p>
<p>And wet.</p>
<p>.....</p>
<p>.....</p>
<p>Someone had a shot at goal once.</p>
<p>.....</p>
<p>OK FINE I'LL DO THE REPORT</p>
<p>However if I'm going to have to spend my time recounting such a dull game I'm going to have a little fun so stick with me here folks. Have you ever played a multi-man match on Pro Evolution Soccer or FIFA? Failing that, how about been part of a 5-a-side team? If the answer to either of those is yes you'll probably relate to this but if not, <a target="_blank" href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/6/10926780/reading-fc-0-0-wolves-instant-reaction">maybe stick to Wosty's instant reaction.</a></p>
<p>In my own experience there's distinct groups of players that both gamers and amateur footballers can fall into and these groups can best explain what we witnessed at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon.</p>
<h4>The Flashes Of Quality Type</h4>
<p>This is the man who comes up with bits of quality, gets his man into good positions and looks like a guy that can make something happen. With Hal Robson-Kanu, Reading certainly had that today as the Wales forward got himself into some cracking positions, put in some decent balls and had a couple of goodish chances to give Reading the lead that just didn't quite come off. First it was an opportunity from eight yards from a Gunter cut-back that was well blocked and at the end it was a good placed shot that Ikeme got down well to stop.</p>
<p>Likewise at the other end Ali Al-Habsi had to make a smart stop to deny James Henry from a free-kick and also had to race off his line early on to snuff out a potential one-on-one. That was about as close as Wolves came in this contest, aside from late on when Paul McShane excellently threw himself in the way of a Bjorn Sigurdsson goal bound effort to keep it goalless. Well there was one other chance for Wolves but we'll come on to that in a minute.</p>
<h4>The I'll Try And Make It Happen Myself Type</h4>
<p>That's not to say that others didn't try and make stuff happen, it's just that when they did it wasn't very good and wasted the chance to make something better.</p>
<p>We've all been there folks, you're having a duff game and you go and try to make something happen out of nothing, you win a great tackle, or charge out of your normal position to get the ball, maybe you even go on a mazy dribble or have a pop from distance. The problem of course is that in doing this, you run the risk of sodding things up for others and nobody summed this up more than Danny Williams today.</p>
<p>The American was his usual energetic self but kept opting to go it alone rather than look up and play someone else in. Likewise Gareth McCleary was bright and lively but kept straying out of his right wing position to get the ball, only to find himself in a crowded middle third.</p>
<h4>The Just Going To Keep it Simple Type</h4>
<p>These are the ones that don't know any skill buttons, people that think a rabona is a blackcurrant drink and try to keep their head down for fear of making an error. They're not letting you down but they're also not really helping you to win a game.</p>
<p>For the likes of Chris Gunter, Jordan Obita and Yann Kermorgant today was all about playing by the numbers. They got into some good positions, did what they were asked of but never really showed any imagination or magic when in a position to do so. Gunter got in a few crosses and Kermorgant had a late chance to make himself the hero but none got you off your seat.</p>
<p>Speaking of simple, Gunter did try his best to break that mould by getting into a horrible mix-up with Al-Habsi that saw the keeper rush out to collect a headed back-pass that ended up sailing over him and into the path of Henry. Thankfully a mixture of Henry's indecision and a brave stop from Al-Habsi prevented one of the most comical goals we've seen in a while.</p>
<h4>I've Got A Big Date Tonight, Is It Full-Time Yet? Type</h4>
<p>Regardless of their qualities these are the ones that just haven't shown their best for whatever reason and haven't done themselves justice. They don't seem to be fully there, they can't get in the game and when they do it's pretty poor. It's your star striker who's worried about the big date tonight and not concerned with what he's doing on the ball right now.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">Reading needed some quality against a Wolves team that was solid but far from worrying but they just didn't get it.</div>
<p>Matej Vydra and Oliver Norwood are established internationals who are capable of brilliant things but it never happened for them today. Norwood looked a yard off the pace and kept giving the ball away while Vydra looked like the man with three league goals all season and not the £2.5m player who leads the FA Cup in goals scored. Reading needed some quality from these guys against a Wolves team that was solid but far from worrying but they just didn't get it today. Sure Vydra can complain he didn't get much service but it wasn't his best day.</p>
<h4>The Pot Luck Type</h4>
<p>What it says on the tin, who knows what you're going to get from these guys on 'any given matchday' (TM Reading FC social media dept).</p>
<p>Jake Cooper will be a fine defender one day but he's only just 21 and so being the youngster that he is he can both inspire you and scare you in equal measure. He looked a little clumsy today but equally got himself out of a few tight jams. Likewise Ola John and debutant Deniss Rakels showed hints of what they can do with promising cameos but you're just not sure what they really have to offer long-term.</p>
<h4>Brian McDermott Doesn't Have A Controller</h4>
<p>It saddens me somewhat to see some Reading fans calling for Brian McDermott to go after just nine league games in charge. Sure he's failed to really arrest a run that's now three league wins from 19 but to assume any manager can just turn it round with minimal investment and continued injuries within two months is optimistic at best and ridiculous at worst. The man has spoken of trying to build something for the long-term, he's spoken of trying to craft an identity and he's admitted that he's searching for a formula that's going to work. Could he be doing this better? Maybe but considering we've seen each of his league games decided by a goal or less suggests we're competitive and not too far away from getting something that works.</p>
<p>Ultimately the man doesn't have an X-Box controller with which to get the players to do what he wants. He isn't telling Gunter to hit the first man, Norwood to lose the ball or Obita to produce woeful set pieces. Sometimes you have to start looking at the players themselves and ask why they aren't doing more. Some of these guys have been here through four permanent managers if you include Brian's first spell and yet our league placings have only been going one way.</p>
<p>As a final point I'll just ask you this. If the squad is as good as some claim it is and the players as talented as we think, why do so few attract any transfer interest?</p>
<p>I'll leave it there. See you next week for the Burnley game.</p>
<p><i><b>Reading</b>: Al-Habsi, Obita, McShane, Cooper, Gunter; Robson-Kanu, Norwood, Williams, McCleary (John), Kermorgant, Vydra (Rakels)</i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/6/10927262/reading-fc-0-0-wolverhampton-wanderers-fc-championship-february-6-2016-madejski-stadiumWimb2016-02-06T17:10:43+00:002016-02-06T17:10:43+00:00Reading 0-0 Wolves: Instant Reaction
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Royals draw a blank in blustery conditions as winless run stretches to five games.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Reading: Al Habsi; Gunter, McShane, Cooper, Obita; Williams, Norwood; McCleary, Vydra, Robson Kanu; Kermorgant.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Subs: Bond, Hector, Rakels, Ferdinand, Piazon, John, Quinn. </b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Despite a fine defensive display against a side that had scored in each of their last eleven Championship outings, the Royals were unable to find a winner against their Black Country opposition in an end-to-end game at the Madejski Stadium.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In a goalless first half, it was Reading who had the lion's share of the goalscoring opportunities. A spritely start from the Royals' front line saw Paul McShane go close from a corner with a fifth minute volley, whilst just five minutes later Hal Robson Kanu saw his effort blocked after a good run into the box from <span>Gareth McCleary</span>. As Wolves began to grow into the game, former Academy product James Henry nearly made it <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/12/27/10670518/wolves-1-0-reading-match-report">two goals in as many games</a> against his former employers in the league this season, as he dragged his twelfth minute effort just wide of the Royals' goal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, the majority of the attacking pressure continued to come from the home side, with Yann Kermorgant and Gareth McCleary testing Carl Ikeme in the Wolves goal before twenty minutes had come up on the clock. At the other end, Ali Al-Habsi too proved a difficult obstacle to break down as he pulled out a top drawer save on 32 minutes to keep out a fine free-kick from James Henry.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As the first half drew to a close, both sides began to resort to a more counter attacking style in order to catch out their respectively resilient defences. Danny Williams picked up a knock in the midst of this high-tempo action, which saw him requiring treatment on the pitch from the Royals' medical staff. The influential American was however able to pick himself up and had Reading's last clear attacking effort of the half, as his fizzling drive from outside the box was kept out by a brave block in the Wolves defence.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The second half began without any changes on either side, and there was also no change in the frenetic pace of the game. James Henry continued to be a thorn in the Royals' side as he almost capitalised on a breakdown in communications within the Royals backline on 49 minutes. The usually calm Jake Cooper misjudged his header back to Al Habsi, forcing the Omani shot-stopper to scurry across his area in order to keep out the effort of the quick-thinking Henry and maintain the Royals' parity.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To help Reading find an elusive breakthrough, Brian McDermott introduced the nippy Ola John in place of Gareth McCleary just before the hour mark and his substitution almost had an immediate impact. The Dutch international whipped a ball in from the left-hand side, which Oliver Norwood touched back to Matej Vydra, whose deflected effort was sent just past the post.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As the two sides entered the final quarter of the fixture, the game very much remained a seeming war of attrition, with both teams remaining unable to break down their opponents, despite their best efforts. Robson Kanu continued to push down the wings but was unable to convert any of his crosses into a fruitful opening, whilst McShane continued to be strong in the box as his last-ditch tackle kept the ball away from the on-rushing Bjorn Sigudardson. There was enough time for the Madejski Stadium faithful to see McDermott hand out a debut to January arrival Deniss Rakels, who replaced Matej Vydra on 80 minutes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Royals continued to press up until the death, as Robson Kanu saw his shot from a Rakels cross saved, before Rakels himself had a penalty shout turned down by referee Tony Harrington in the final minute of normal time. The Latvian was again involved as he headed down for fellow January signing Kermorgant in the 92nd minute, but the Frenchman was unable to keep his effort on target. This was very much telling of a Royals' display where for all their attacking play and creative flair, they were unable to show a ruthless streak in front of goal, as evidenced by the fact that of their seventeen shots registered, just two were on target. A more clinical display will be required in future to convert draws such as today's into some much-needed wins.</p>
<h4>We'll have more reaction up as soon as possible, including a full report and player ratings, so check back for that a little later this weekend.</h4>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/6/10926780/reading-fc-0-0-wolves-instant-reactionWosty2016-02-06T10:05:22+00:002016-02-06T10:05:22+00:00Preview: Home Run Begins With Wolves Visit
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<figcaption>Tom Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading follow a disappointing defeat to Ipswich on Tuesday night with the first of four welcome home games against Wolves; Phil Owtram looks ahead to the game at Madejski Stadium.</p> <h4><a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Reading FC</a></h4>
<p><span><b>Form (all comps): LWDWL </b></span></p>
<p>Reading will give a late fitness test to George Evans, who has a calf problem, while Aaron Tshibola is ruled out with a hamstring injury. New Latvian striker Deniss Rakels has received clearance to play but may lack match fitness.</p>
<p>A quiet transfer deadline day was followed by a familiar away result as The Royals returned from a trip to Portman Road empty handed. This chronic problem of winning away from home now means Reading have not had a victory on the road for ten matches with their last win coming against Burnley in September. Brian McDermott’s men will be pleased then that their next four matches are at the Mad Stad, starting with Saturday’s game against Wolves, a side they have lost only once to in seven meetings and are unbeaten in their last three at Madejski Stadium.</p>
<div class="pullquote">Reading FC vs. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/wolverhampton" class="sbn-auto-link">Wolverhampton</a> Wanderers FC:<span>6 February 2016</span> <span>15:00 KO</span> <span>Madejski Stadium, Reading</span><span>Referee: Tony Harrington</span>
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<h4>Wolverhampton Wanderers FC</h4>
<p><span><b>Form (all comps): DDLWL</b></span></p>
<p>Wolves striker Joe Mason's goal after just three minutes on his debut against Bolton makes him a likely starter. Tommy Rowe, recalled after his loan, may keep his place but Mike Williamson (hamstring) may still be out.</p>
<p>Wolves come into this one after throwing away a two goal lead to draw at home with bottom of the league Bolton. One of Wolves’ scorers was James Henry who got the only goal in Wolves’ victory over The Royals at Molineux on Boxing Day. Since then their form has been up and down with three wins, two defeats and two draws. Kenny Jackett’s men have struggled to get results at home this season with a mere four victories from fifteen matches and only 19 goals scored.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b> Reading(v Ipswich): <span>Ali Al Habsi</span>, A. Ferdinand, C. Gunter, J. Cooper, S. Quinn (G. McCleary 61), H. Robson-Kanu, D. Williams, O. Norwood, J. Obita, Y. Kermorgant, M. Vydra.</b></p>
<p>Wolves (v Bolton): C. Ikeme, D. Batth, M. Doherty, E. Ebanks-Landell, C. Coady, D. Iorfa, K. McDonald, T. Rowe (G. Saville 82), B. Siguroarson (J. Henry 76), R. van La Parra, J. Mason (J. Price 86).</p>
<h4>What The Opposition Think</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>We were awful against Bolton in midweek and the team is looking increasingly hotchpotch due to injuries. I think we're going to struggle for the remainder of the season.</p>
<p><a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/5/10921904/view-from-the-town-end-wolverhampton-wanderers-reading-fc-preview-opposition" target="_blank">Tom from WolvesBlog.com in VFTTE</a></p>
<h4><b>Last Five Meetings</b></h4>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>26 Dec 2015: Wolves 1-0 Reading (League Championship)</p>
<p>07 Feb 2015: Wolves 1-2 Reading (League Championship)</p>
<p>28 Sep 2014: Reading 3-3 Wolves (League Championship)</p>
<p>27 Jan 2009: Reading 1-0 Wolves (League Championship)</p>
<p>30 Sep 2008: Wolves 0-3 Reading (League Championship)</p>
<h4>Head To Head</h4>
<p>Reading v Ipswich: W:16 D:6 L:17</p>
<h4>YouTube History</h4>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/53f_YJaqP4A" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h4>Prediction</h4>
<p>Reading FC 2-1 Wolves FC</p>
</blockquote>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/6/10926482/reading-fc-v-wolverhampton-wanderers-fc-match-previewPhil902016-02-05T18:00:29+00:002016-02-05T18:00:29+00:00Reading FC vs Wolves Has Lenient Ref In Charge
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<figcaption>Pete Norton/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>He's not picked up a whistle for a while, but TONY HARRINGTON will be the man in the middle when Wolves visit the Madjeski Stadium.</p> <p>Cast your minds back to September, when Reading were in the play-off places, Steve Clarke was loved by all fans and <span>Nick Blackman</span> was scoring goals for fun. I know, I wish it were still the same too.</p>
<p>But I’m not just tormenting you with that look back on happier times, as it does have some relevance to this week’s Ref-Watch, with Tony Harrington the man in the middle when the Royals beat Burnley 2-1 to rise to third. Harrington is back as the official for tomorrow’s game against Wolves, having not picked up a whistle since mid-January. We hope you enjoyed your break Tony!</p>
<p>Apart from that win at Turf Moor, the North East ref has previously officiated just one other Reading game - a 0-0 draw at <a href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Leeds United</a> in October 2014 when he handed out the most yellow cards he has given in a single Football League fixture (7).</p>
<p>So far in 2015-16, Harrington has taken charge of 18 games in all competitions, showing 51 yellow cards and just the one red. But even that sending off was as a result of two bookings, to Bolton’s Jose Casado. He has also awarded five penalties, including two in his most recent match between MK Dons and Northampton in the FA Cup. They were both scored, by Ben Reeves and former much maligned Royal Simon Church.</p>
<p>To end, let’s take a look at Harrington’s art skills, which went viral last year. This is his representation of a waterlogged pitch for his official Football League report for the Accrington vs Bury game which he quite rightly called off.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No wonder the Accrington vs Bury game was off tonight... This is the form sent to <a href="https://twitter.com/football_league">@football_league</a> from the officials <a href="http://t.co/WcVs7CxWeZ">pic.twitter.com/WcVs7CxWeZ</a></p>
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCMOTD/status/553646361976266753">January 9, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>van Gogh eat your heart out.</p>
<p><i>The assistant referees for the game at the Madjeski Stadium will be Richard Kendall and Ian Cooper, whilst on fourth official duty is Michael Bull.</i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/2/5/10923386/lenient-ref-in-charge-for-reading-fc-vs-wolverhampton-wanderers-madjeski-stadium-tony-harringtonOlly_Allen